Meet Barry Kline, A Lifelong Servant in Simsbury

You may have experienced one of Barry Kline’s recent sermons. He is one of our exhorters*. But there is so much more! Read on.

Barry Kline, a dedicated environmental engineer and passionate community volunteer, has lived in Simsbury, Connecticut, since 1993. Originally from rural northeastern Pennsylvania, Barry was drawn to Simsbury by friends and the area's charm. He and his wife, Jolie, have been married for 28 years. Their first meeting was on the school bus in their childhood. Barry and Jolie have a son, Nick, who grew up in the Simsbury United Methodist Church (SUM) community.

Barry's commitment to the church has been unwavering, having led youth groups, taught Sunday School, and participated in various committees at SUM. His engineering skills and public speaking experience have allowed him to contribute meaningfully, whether through organizing church cleanups or mentoring youth in sports.

Volunteerism is not just a part of Barry's life; it's a deeply ingrained value he carries from his family. This strong sense of duty to serve has been a guiding principle for Barry, shaping his belief that serving others not only fulfills a calling but also enriches the soul. His actions echo the teachings of Jesus about love and community. With his family's unwavering support, Barry balances work, volunteering, and family life, embodying the spirit of service that he hopes will continue to thrive in the SUM faith community.

Barry's vision for the church is a dream and a heartfelt desire to see it thrive. He envisions a church that remains a God-centered, Bible-focused place of worship and service. His dedication to his faith and community is a testament to the impact one can have when one chooses to serve. His dream is simple yet profound, and it's a vision that he hopes others will share and work towards.

Thank you for your faithful service, Barry.

-Deacon Deb

* What is an “Exhorter”?
An exhorter is a layperson who preaches the Sunday sermon. You will frequently hear this word as the laity is now playing a more significant role in our worship service. Below is a little background information.

John Wesley, in 1743,  wrote a description of the united societies as “a company of men (and women) having the form and seeking the power of godliness, united to pray together, receive words of exhortation, and to watch over one another in love, that they may help each other to work out their salvation.”

An exhortation is intended to urge, persuade, or encourage the listeners to do something or take some action. It is a persuasive and powerful way of communicating. “Exhortation” is a perfect description of a meaningful Sunday sermon, and “exhorter” is a perfect descriptor for the person delivering the Sunday sermon.

Exhorters - a new word for your vocabulary!

NCCUMC exhorters - Mary Brevigleiri (Certified Lay Minister), Sue Gannon, and Jeff Cedarfield

SUM exhorters – Barry Kline, Sue Homrok-Lemke, Eileen Brogan, Lee McGivney, Lori Catlin Garcia, and Peter Gailey